Regressive tax policies hurt citizens, says Rev. Father Okello

Lira | On Monday, April 8 2024, hundreds of thousands of city traders in Kampala, particularly those downtown, opted to close their shops protesting various forms of taxes and how they are enforced (collected). 

The traders blamed the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for minting too much money in taxes from them.

However, the tax collector later said they were enforcing an Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS).

While addressing journalists in Lira City on Tuesday, a Roman Catholic priest, Rev. Father Alfred Okello blamed the government for burdening traders and citizens with taxes.

“The country women and men, everyone is not happy about that Tax Amendment Bill. I want my voice heard and to advise our government to always think twice before they act. What’s killing this country shows that our government always acts before thinking,” he said.

“I want to assure our government that a country can’t only develop through taxation…because this Amendment Bill can’t stand. I encourage leaders to always follow what is there in the Bible.

The Rev. Father emphasises that too much taxes on the people will not take Uganda forward, appealing to President Museveni and the NRM government not to allow what happened in 1789 in France to happen in 2024 in Uganda.

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In 1789, a year quoted by the Priest, The French Revolution began and ended in 1794. The revolution started because King Louis XVI wanted more money. He had failed to raise more taxes after calling a meeting of the Estates General.

Soon, protests erupted across France and it ended badly.

Easter Odongo, a businesswoman in Lira City, said URA has completely failed to work with customers (business community).

“I’m telling our government to see a way of addressing this challenge once and for all. We are having problems when it comes to collecting taxes. Last month my shop was closed when my business was moving well.”

Ivan Ocen, a businessman also operating in Lira City, thinks this (tax) challenge can be addressed by the government. “I want to tell the government that the Uganda Revenue Authority has become big-headed to us.

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If someone is doing well, they just pick the Police and come for you. If you fail to deliver money to them, then they close your business.”